Accelerated Flight Training

By taking an accelerated flight training course at Western Air Flight Academy and Aspen Flying Club, pilots are provided all the flight training resources needed to help the student save both time and money. Choosing to do an accelerated course is the best way to maximize a pilot’s overall efficiency during their flight training.

Each individual who decides to undertake an accelerated flight training course will work with one of Aspen Flying Club’s professional and dedicated full-time flight instructors. Accelerated training requires flying twice per day and studying the subject matter each evening. Being fully immersed in both flying and ground studies for a shorter period of time will increase the effectiveness of learning. At Aspen Flying Club, accelerated students finish their training in approximately 20% fewer hours than the traditional training program.

By working with an instructor, flying twice per day, and studying the ground-school materials each evening, a student can achieve a Sport Pilot Certificate in as little as 11 days. To accomplish this Aspen recommends that students complete their ground school and pass the FAA Sport Pilot Knowledge test PRIOR to starting their flight training. An additional 4 days is required if the ground school hasn’t been completed.

Aspen’s Sport Pilot package is 30 hours of aircraft and instructor time. The FAA requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight experience prior to taking the flight test. It’s rare for a student to be ready for the flight test in the minimum time. The average flight time on an accelerated course is 26 hours. A flight test usually takes 1.5 hours. After completing the course, pilots are encouraged to use the remaining paid aircraft rental hours to build experience and solidify their flying skills.

Package Price

Hours

Cost

30 hours in a Light Sport Airplane

30 x $109

$3,270

30 hours instructor time

30 x $45

$1,350

Flight Test Fee

1 x $600

$600

Pilot supplies, headset

$500

$500

Total

$5,720*

* Assumes FAA Sport Pilot Knowledge Test passed prior to arrival * Training must be completed in one calendar month or less

Aspen Flying Club can take a student from zero experience to Private Pilot in as little as 23 days, assuming the student arrives having already passed their written exam. Flying with an instructor twice per day, and studying coursework each evening, rapid progress can be made through the Private Pilot course.

Aspen’s Private Pilot package is 55 hours of aircraft and instructor time. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight experience prior to taking the flight test. It is rare for a candidate to present a for flight test in the minimum time. The average on an accelerated course is 50 hours. A flight test usually takes 1.5 hours. After completing the course, pilots are encouraged to use the remaining paid aircraft rental hours to build experience and solidify their flying skills.

Aspen’s accelerated instrument pilot program is geared for the busy pilot who wants to achieve their rating in a few short days, not over the course of several months. Typically it takes 7-10 days of flying for a proficient pilot who has passed the FAA instrument pilot knowledge exam prior to starting. Aspen is committed to accommodating the candidate’s schedule. It’s possible to start each day at 5:00 AM or 12:00 PM, whichever fits a candidate’s schedule for that day. Instrument training success is due to the quality of Aspen’s Instrument Flight Instructors and the dedication of the student. Aspen Flying Club’s instructors are highly experienced IFR veterans. Each candidate is interviewed prior to training to customize the course to their needs and be assigned an instructor that is totally dedicated to the student and their schedule. The Accelerated Instrument course takes 7-10 days depending on the candidate. The course includes:

Obtaining a commercial pilot certificate is essential for those planning a career in aviation. For pilots that plan to purchase their own aircraft, a Commercial Pilot certificate is recommended as it lowers insurance rates.

Western uses a Cessna 182RG for commercial training. The FAA requires 10 hours in a retractable gear aircraft prior to taking the test. Working with a dedicated instructor, a commercial certificate usually takes 5 days.